stowaway Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Hey guys, a cave building company stationed near where I work went out of business and auctioned off all of there equipment recently. For a couple bucks I picked up these bits from one of their monster drills. I'm not sure what they're made of but I'm assuming its something hard as xxxx. So I was thinking about turning into tools for my Hardie. Flatten one for a cut off and keep one round for tight radius bends. Its raining in my smithy at the moment so I wont get to fire until Sunday probably, but what are your thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Carbide knobbies like are used by street resurfacing machines. Not going to be able to flatten the carbide, or grind it. Figure out how to use it as it stands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapremac Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 You can grind it with a "green" wheel specifically made for carbide.The wheels can be rather pricey and probably wouldn't be cost effective for two tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 The one on the right looks like a center punch to me (grin) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 You can remove the carbides with a torch or in the forge, they're brazed in so if you over heat it the zinc will burn. Be careful. Then you can forge the steel and make various bottom tools. The steel is tough as can be, the carbides do the cutting but the rest of the bit takes the force, it's good stuff. We used smaller versions in our drill bits, Kennametal teeth by name. The carbide buttons are useless as anything but what they're made for but the teeth are good tough steel. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 carbide has a enhanced scrap value, might use them with a screwpress to make big ugly holes for neo-brutalist work---or just to make small dimples for ornamental work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stowaway Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 Hhmm, maybe I'll try heating one in the forge. Frosty should I just keep it on the verge of burning for a few minutes to let the zinc burn off? Thanks for all the advice guys, and I think I will keep the one on the right as is for a punch or for small bends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 No, just melt the braze you don't want it to burn. Figure low orange heat will do it, give it a tap on the anvil once it hits orange every once in a while as you let it get hotter. When it reaches brazing temp the button will fall out and you can brush any residual brazing rod out with a wire brush. When I say tap it on the anvil don't use a hammer, just tap the tooth on the anvil with your tongs then put it back if the button doesn't fall out. Just take your time and it's safe enough, slow and steady wins the race. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stowaway Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 Right on, thanks Frosty! I'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Right on, thanks Frosty! I'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out. My pleasure. It'll work, I've worked with teeth just like these many times, part of my job as a driller. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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